Nairobi, July 14, 2025 — Kenya Power has issued a clarification on why customers may receive a different number of electricity token units each month, even when paying the same amount.
In a detailed statement released Monday, the utility firm attributed the variations to its tiered electricity tariff structure, which is based on a customer’s average monthly consumption over a three-month period.
“Our tariff category is calculated based on your average consumption over three consecutive months’ usage,” Kenya Power stated. “Understanding which category you fall under helps you make informed decisions about your electricity usage and manage your expenses more effectively.”
According to the company, consumers are grouped into three domestic tariff categories—Domestic 1 (D1), Domestic 2 (D2), and Domestic 3 (D3)—with each tier attracting different rates per unit of electricity consumed. The more electricity a household consumes, the more it pays per unit, exclusive of taxes and levies.
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KPLC
How the Tariff System Works
Domestic 1 (D1) — Also known as Lifeline Customers, this category is designed to support low-consumption households.
- Households that use up to 30 units per month fall into this tier.
- They are charged Ksh12.23 per unit, making it the most affordable rate.
Domestic 2 (D2) — This middle-tier category applies to those consuming between 31 and 100 units monthly.
- Consumers in this range pay Ksh16.45 per unit.
Domestic 3 (D3) — The highest tier, D3 covers heavy power users, consuming between 101 and 15,000 units per month.
- This group pays the highest rate at Ksh19.02 per unit.
These rates are exclusive of taxes, levies, and other regulatory fees, which can also affect the final token amount a customer receives.
Why Your Tokens May Vary
Even if you pay the same amount each month, your consumption history over the previous three months may push you into a different tariff category. For instance, a spike in usage during one month can shift your average, moving you from D1 to D2, thereby reducing the number of units you receive for the same amount in subsequent months.
The system is designed to encourage energy conservation, with incentives for households that keep their consumption low.
Kenya Power has urged customers to track their usage and strive to stay within their desired tariff band to better manage electricity expenses.
